New museum will focus on spirit of Canada as seen through Toronto’s lens

Toronto City Council approved a report today that recommends the continued development of the Toronto Museum Project, an initiative that chronicles the story of Toronto through the lens of social, cultural and economic diversity with a strong emphasis on the city’s post-Second World War development.

The report recommends that a new, iconic building be built on the City-owned former Canada Malting property at the foot of Bathurst St. to house the museum. In addition to the museum, the new building would also be home to the Global Cities Gallery, a hub for learning, dialogue, research and development of liveable, sustainable cities. Development of the Toronto Museum Project is aligned with Toronto’s Agenda for Prosperity and promotion of a strong tourism sector that support Toronto’s emergence as a successful, globally competitive city.

“The Toronto Museum Project defines Toronto, its people, and its aspirations within a Canadian and a global context,” said Mayor David Miller. “It’s the story of our people, First Nations, Europeans, Asians, Africans and many others coming together in a new land. It’s layer upon layer of shared history that has made - and continues to make - the Toronto story so compelling in the eyes of the world.”

“We began work on the Toronto Museum Project more than five years ago following Council’s approval of the Waterfront Heritage and Culture Infrastructure Plan. At that time, City staff were directed by Council to investigate a new Toronto museum that would showcase the entire story of Toronto,” said Rita Davies, Executive Director of Culture. “Since then, we’ve conducted extensive public consultation and, with overwhelmingly positive support from the community, developed a feasibility study that presents a business plan and a concept for the museum based on the themes of gathering place, global village and city soul.”

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.